Research Policy Advisor

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to take your well-developed research and analytical skills to the next level? If so, consider this challenging opportunity with the the Universities Unit, Postsecondary Accountability Branch where you will participate in policy, program and issue analysis and lead assigned projects in support of major policy development initiatives.

What can I expect to do in this role?

You will:
• undertake policy, program and issues analysis and assigned projects
• plan, undertake and coordinate quantitative and qualitative research and analysis
• participate in economic studies and analyze economic data
• analyze financial statements and other related information
• participate in the design and development of operational guidelines, benchmarks and related criteria
• develop and maintain contacts with key internal and external stakeholders
• provide support and consultation to ministerial and sector working groups
• prepare presentations and briefing materials for senior levels of staff and government
• provide input into the development of communication strategies
• prepare and document research results and findings and provides recommendations to senior management

How do I qualify?

Specialized Knowledge and Skill:

• You have extensive knowledge of program and policy development principles, and government decision-making processes.
• You have excellent knowledge of program analysis and evaluation techniques.
• You have developed a good knowledge of economic and statistical techniques.
• You have knowledge of program and grant administration, including transfer payment agreements and reporting.
• You have the ability to develop an expert knowledge of provincial and ministry strategic directions and key objectives pertaining to the sector and program area as well as relevant legislation, models of service and program delivery, funding, governance, and critical issues.

Research, Analysis and Decision-making Skills:

• You have proven knowledge of research and analytical techniques, including survey techniques, performance measures, and financial modeling in support of policy and program decision-making.
• You can demonstrate experience conducting, leading, and/or participating in research and analysis projects.
• You can demonstrate experience preparing financial and statistical analyses and design to organize and present research findings.

Communication, Presentation and Consultation Skills:

• You have excellent oral and written communications skills as well as public consultation skills.
• You have excellent knowledge of communication principles and methods to draft policy papers, reports, analyses, correspondence, briefing notes, and materials for cabinet submissions.
• You have well developed presentation and facilitation skills to provide research findings to senior staff and external stakeholders.
• You have excellent consultation and conflict resolution skills identify potential issues and problems and contribute to the development of solutions.

Other Important Skills:

• You can demonstrate your experience providing assistance, guidance and information to others.
• You can demonstrate your organizational and time-management skills to respond to immediate requests for information from various branches, the Minister's office and the Premier's office in order to meet tight deadlines.
• You are proficient in the use of a computer and a variety of software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, programming and data base maintenance and statistical software, project scheduling and internet to research and prepare own materials.

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Wednesday, January 18, 2017 11:59 pm EST. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.